Red Wings’ Jimmy Howard better, will back-up Thursday

Updated December 19, 2018 at 4:28 PM;Posted December 19, 2018 at 4:12 PM

Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) reaches out for the puck during the second period of their NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Monday, December 10, 2018. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com) (Mike Mulholland | mmulholl@mlive.com)

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard received treatment for his back and expects to be able to back-up Jonathan Bernier Thursday against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena (7 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Howard’s back seized up during the pregame warmups Tuesday at Philadelphia, pressing Bernier into action and requiring the team to summon a geologist to serve as the backup.

Howard worked out on the ice prior with goaltending coach Jeff Salajko prior to Wednesday’s practice in Raleigh and told media his back is fine.

“Was able to get treatment last night after my back locked up and then again this morning,” Howard said on DetroitRedWings.com. “Everything cleared and released, so skated for 18-20 minutes before the guys got out there, didn’t have any issues, so hopefully I don’t have any more this evening and I’m good to go tomorrow for the pregame skate.”

Howard confirmed he will not start Thursday.

The Red Wings (14-16-5) will try to stop a four-game winless skid (0-3-1) as they close out a three-game trip.